Sciatica Pain Treatment and Chiropractic

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica describes the persistent pain in the lower part of the body as a result of interference or irritation to the sciatic nerve. Sciatic pain or sciatic nerve pain tends to be felt from the
lower back or lumbar regions, behind the hips, down the thighs and down to the knee. Sciatica, or nerve pain, can be painful and may immobilise sufferers.

This condition may be treated by manual therapy, including chiropractic, in combination with other recommendations such as ice therapy, rest, exercise, stretching and as a last resort, surgery.

What is the Sciatic Nerve?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and extends from the lower back right down to the lower part of the leg. The nerve roots originate in the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve
controls the muscles in the lower leg and provides sensations you feel in your thighs, legs and soles of your feet.

Did you know? Nerves are specialised cells that carry messages from one part of your body to another. These messages are tiny electrical signals that travel between the brain, up and down the
spinal cord and to the muscles and organs.

Causes of Sciatica

There are several causes of sciatica:

lumbar (low back) disc herniation pressing on the nerve

‘pinched’ nerve irritation or inflammation from disc pressure

abnormal position of pelvis and spinal bones

tumors

muscle tightening

injury

pregnancy and associated pressure on the sciatic nerve

Symptoms of Sciatica

There may be various symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, including:

pain in a certain spot or radiating pain from the back down the leg (along the path of the sciatic nerve)

lower back pain, buttock pain, hip pain, leg pain

burning sensation

tingling

pins and needles in the feet

difficulty walking, sitting or bending at the waist

Treatment of Sciatica (nerve pain Treatment)

Your doctor of chiropractic may diagnose sciatica with a physical and neurological examination. Sometimes scans, X-rays or nerve tests may be used to help with diagnosis.

For some people, sciatica may respond well to some form of chiropractic care. Chiropractic is an all-natural, drug-free and non-invasive treatment option. The aim of chiropractic care is to
restore spinal movement, reduce and/or remove nerve interference and in doing so decrease pain and inflammation. Your chiropractor may also recommend particular stretches, exercises and ice
therapy.